Every year the Chem Temple festival is held to honor the legendary hero Ly Than who was a defender of these territories during the Hung King dynasty. The temple is located in Thuy Phuong village in Hanoi’s suburban district of Tu Liem and was built in admiration for Ly Than, by the local villagers.
The temple is an old piece of architecture, with many sculpted figures and a wonderful example of Hanoi’s preserved historical past. Every year an elaborate ceremony involving a procession of boats to obtain water to wash the statues of Ly Than and his wife is held accompanied by drums and a procession of elephants, horses and chariots culminating in a grand ceremony at the communal house. It is a colorful festival, full of life and wonder and a must visit if in Hanoi.
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